Finished "The Year of the Flood" by Margaret Atwood. There were aspects of world-building reminiscent of "A Canticle for Liebowitz" (Walter M. Miller, Jr.) and several interesting characters. I just didn't like where the story went, and felt the ending was unsatisfying. I originally picked this one up because the web site I Write Like (http://iwl.me/) said one of my stories most resembled the way Margaret Atwood writes. Now I can't remember which of my stories got me that result!
Edited to add: This is the third book in a row that I read with the creationism versus evolution argument played out in it in some way. I need to find something different!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
48-Hour Film Project 2010
A couple weeks ago, I took part in the 48-Hour Film Project, in which you are to create a 4-7 minute long film within two days. On Friday night, each team got a different genre (ours was Drama). All teams also got the same character (Sharon or Sherman Woods, Administrative Assistant), prop (a lamp) and line of dialogue ("He told me not to tell anyone").
I was the writer, and what I post below is the script. However, I had a lot of help coming up with the ideas during a 3-hour team meeting over dinner. I also incorporated feedback from other team members. Long story short, while I did actually come up with the script itself, the contents were a collaboration.
After the team meeting, we drove home (Denver to Longmont), and I started writing at midnight. I finished the first draft at 4 AM. Then I slept for two hours. After waking, I reviewed the script and sent it out around 6:15 AM. I got feedback and incorporated it, sending the final script back out again at around 7:00 AM.
Ray and I did one read-through after the script was done and it came in at 4 minutes 6 seconds. The final cut was around 6 minutes. (Sorry for the formatting. Much was lost pasting from Word.)
“CHECKS AND BALANCES” (working title)
"DENIED"
by
Lar Productions
AT THE OFFICE
INT. OFFICE - NIGHT
A LAMP TURNS ON:
KATHERINE’S hand pulls back from the pull cord of a DESK LAMP she just turned on. The sound of ICE against the side of a GLASS OF SCOTCH is heard.
PAN TO:
Katherine sits in the CHAIR behind the DESK in her OFFICE. Her face displays emotions from anger to bitterness to sadness. She considers the Scotch in her left hand a moment, then considers a CHECK in her right hand. She sets the check on the desk.
CUT TO:
CU – CHECK (OVER KATHERINE’S SHOULDER)
The name Sharon Woods is visible in the payee line. The amount on the check is $1,500,000.00. The signature line is conspicuously blank. Katherine taps the end of a pen on the signature line of the check.
CUT TO:
MCU – KATHERINE
Katherine downs what is left of her Scotch. She places the glass on the desk and pushes the INTERCOM button.
SHARON (V.O.)
Yes?
KATHERINE
Would you come in here a moment, please.
SHARON (V.O.)
Yes, Mrs. Northbrook.
CUT TO:
WIDE SHOT – OFFICE
SHARON enters the office. She hesitates a moment on her way in upon seeing how disheveled Katherine appears.
KATHERINE
Another Scotch.
Katherine slides the empty glass across the desk and Sharon picks it up.
SHARON
Yes, Mrs. Northbrook.
Sharon exits.
MCU – KATHERINE
Katherine sits back in her chair and gazes unfocused at the far wall, steepling her fingers.
FADE OUT
FLASHBACKS
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
FADE IN: WIDE SHOT – HOSPITAL ROOM
Katherine strides into Joseph’s hospital room, papers in one hand. She stops next to Joseph’s bed. Joseph is sleeping lightly.
KATHERINE
I went through your files, and do you know what I found?
Joseph stirs. Katherine throws a stapled LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT down on the hospital bed. Joseph awakens fully with a start and looks wide-eyed at Katherine.
KATHERINE (CONT)
I know what you did. Did you think you could hide it from me?
JOSEPH
It’s not what you think --
KATHERINE (INTERRUPTING)
You can not justify leaving MY money to HER. I want what’s coming to me. I’ve earned it. I have been at your side for 33 years. 33 years! You had better make this right or I will go to the press.
JOSEPH
You wouldn’t! After all I’ve done for you
KATHERINE (SMUGLY)
Oh I most certainly would. I have nothing to lose if I do. YOU on the other hand...
JOSEPH (PAINED)
Katherine, please. I won’t – I can’t fight you on this. I don’t have the strength. I’ll do what you want. Please don’t tell anyone.
Katherine appears mollified. She produces a pen from her pocket and places it on Joseph’s hand.
KATHERINE
I’ve taken the liberty of making a few (pause) adjustments. Sign it!
Joseph looks at Katherine in resignation. He looks down, slowly repositions the pen for use and signs the paper in the place indicated by Katherine.
Katherine takes the papers and the pen. She turns to leave.
JOSEPH
Wait!
Katherine pauses, not turning to look at Joseph.
JOSEPH (CONT)
You know, it really isn’t what you think. She showed me kindness. I was only returning the favor. Be kind to her. Do the right thing. Write her a check for at least part of it. No one needs to know about it.
Katherine leaves the room, not waiting for Joseph to finish his explanation.
FADE OUT:
CONTEMPLATION
FADE IN:
INT. OFFICE – NIGHT
WIDE SHOT - OFFICE
Katherine sits at the desk, fingers steepled. She looks down at her hands. Sharon returns with Scotch.
KATHERINE
And Sharon? I have something to tell you.
SHARON
Yes, Mrs. Northbrook?
Katherine considers a moment, then waves dismissively at Sharon.
KATHERINE
Nevermind.
SHARON
Would you like some water?
Katherine furrows her brow.
KATHERINE (DISTRACTED)
No.
FADE OUT:
DOUBT
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL – DAY
WIDE SHOT – HALLWAY OUTSIDE HOSPITAL ROOM
Sharon is visible standing next to Joseph’s hospital bed inside the room. Katherine approaches the PARTIALLY CLOSED DOOR room from the hall.
SHARON
Would you like some water, Mr. Northbrook?
KATHERINE (WHISPERED TO HERSELF)
“Mr. Northbrook?” But...
Katherine pauses now to listen.
RACK FOCUS TO WIDE SHOT OF SHARON AND JOSEPH
JOSEPH
I don’t think she’ll come today.
CUT TO:
SHARON (ANSWERING HESITANTLY)
Oh, I’m sure she’ll make it down.
JOSEPH (QUIETLY)
Not after yesterday.
SHARON
What happened?
JOSEPH
Katherine thinks that you and I...
SHARON
Well that’s crazy. She sends me down here to see you. Why would she think...
JOSEPH
I know why, but it doesn’t matter now. It’s too late.
SHARON
I know she still loves you. Just give her a little time.
Joseph sighs. Katherine reconsiders her visit, turns and walks back down the hall away from the door.
FADE OUT:
TIME FOR A DECISION
FADE IN:
INT. OFFICE – NIGHT
A tear is visible on Katherine’s face. She wipes it away with a TISSUE.
CUT TO:
CU: CHECK
Katherine signs the check to Sharon.
CUT TO:
WIDE SHOT - OFFICE
Katherine pushes the intercom button.
SHARON (V.O.)
Yes, Mrs. Northbrook?
KATHERINE
Please come here. I have something for you.
Sharon enters. She notices the tears on Katherine’s face.
SHARON
Oh, Mrs. Northbrook. I miss him, too.
KATHERINE
Yes.
Katherine nods.
SHARON
I think he forgave you at the end.
Katherine looks at Sharon with daggers. After a moment of thought, she tears up the check. She collects the pieces of the check and hands them to Sharon.
KATHERINE
Throw this away for me, please.
Sharon looks confused, shrugs and takes the pile of check fragments out with her, throwing them into the trash and walks out the office door.
KATHERINE
I guess without a paper trail there’s not much to tell and well, ...
Katherine takes a drink
KATHERINE
He told me not to tell anyone.
Katherine reaches for the lamp, standing slightly. She turns the lamp off.
BLACK
THE END
I was the writer, and what I post below is the script. However, I had a lot of help coming up with the ideas during a 3-hour team meeting over dinner. I also incorporated feedback from other team members. Long story short, while I did actually come up with the script itself, the contents were a collaboration.
After the team meeting, we drove home (Denver to Longmont), and I started writing at midnight. I finished the first draft at 4 AM. Then I slept for two hours. After waking, I reviewed the script and sent it out around 6:15 AM. I got feedback and incorporated it, sending the final script back out again at around 7:00 AM.
Ray and I did one read-through after the script was done and it came in at 4 minutes 6 seconds. The final cut was around 6 minutes. (Sorry for the formatting. Much was lost pasting from Word.)
"DENIED"
by
Lar Productions
AT THE OFFICE
INT. OFFICE - NIGHT
A LAMP TURNS ON:
KATHERINE’S hand pulls back from the pull cord of a DESK LAMP she just turned on. The sound of ICE against the side of a GLASS OF SCOTCH is heard.
PAN TO:
Katherine sits in the CHAIR behind the DESK in her OFFICE. Her face displays emotions from anger to bitterness to sadness. She considers the Scotch in her left hand a moment, then considers a CHECK in her right hand. She sets the check on the desk.
CUT TO:
CU – CHECK (OVER KATHERINE’S SHOULDER)
The name Sharon Woods is visible in the payee line. The amount on the check is $1,500,000.00. The signature line is conspicuously blank. Katherine taps the end of a pen on the signature line of the check.
CUT TO:
MCU – KATHERINE
Katherine downs what is left of her Scotch. She places the glass on the desk and pushes the INTERCOM button.
SHARON (V.O.)
Yes?
KATHERINE
Would you come in here a moment, please.
SHARON (V.O.)
Yes, Mrs. Northbrook.
CUT TO:
WIDE SHOT – OFFICE
SHARON enters the office. She hesitates a moment on her way in upon seeing how disheveled Katherine appears.
KATHERINE
Another Scotch.
Katherine slides the empty glass across the desk and Sharon picks it up.
SHARON
Yes, Mrs. Northbrook.
Sharon exits.
MCU – KATHERINE
Katherine sits back in her chair and gazes unfocused at the far wall, steepling her fingers.
FADE OUT
FLASHBACKS
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
FADE IN: WIDE SHOT – HOSPITAL ROOM
Katherine strides into Joseph’s hospital room, papers in one hand. She stops next to Joseph’s bed. Joseph is sleeping lightly.
KATHERINE
I went through your files, and do you know what I found?
Joseph stirs. Katherine throws a stapled LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT down on the hospital bed. Joseph awakens fully with a start and looks wide-eyed at Katherine.
KATHERINE (CONT)
I know what you did. Did you think you could hide it from me?
JOSEPH
It’s not what you think --
KATHERINE (INTERRUPTING)
You can not justify leaving MY money to HER. I want what’s coming to me. I’ve earned it. I have been at your side for 33 years. 33 years! You had better make this right or I will go to the press.
JOSEPH
You wouldn’t! After all I’ve done for you
KATHERINE (SMUGLY)
Oh I most certainly would. I have nothing to lose if I do. YOU on the other hand...
JOSEPH (PAINED)
Katherine, please. I won’t – I can’t fight you on this. I don’t have the strength. I’ll do what you want. Please don’t tell anyone.
Katherine appears mollified. She produces a pen from her pocket and places it on Joseph’s hand.
KATHERINE
I’ve taken the liberty of making a few (pause) adjustments. Sign it!
Joseph looks at Katherine in resignation. He looks down, slowly repositions the pen for use and signs the paper in the place indicated by Katherine.
Katherine takes the papers and the pen. She turns to leave.
JOSEPH
Wait!
Katherine pauses, not turning to look at Joseph.
JOSEPH (CONT)
You know, it really isn’t what you think. She showed me kindness. I was only returning the favor. Be kind to her. Do the right thing. Write her a check for at least part of it. No one needs to know about it.
Katherine leaves the room, not waiting for Joseph to finish his explanation.
FADE OUT:
CONTEMPLATION
FADE IN:
INT. OFFICE – NIGHT
WIDE SHOT - OFFICE
Katherine sits at the desk, fingers steepled. She looks down at her hands. Sharon returns with Scotch.
KATHERINE
And Sharon? I have something to tell you.
SHARON
Yes, Mrs. Northbrook?
Katherine considers a moment, then waves dismissively at Sharon.
KATHERINE
Nevermind.
SHARON
Would you like some water?
Katherine furrows her brow.
KATHERINE (DISTRACTED)
No.
FADE OUT:
DOUBT
FADE IN:
INT. HOSPITAL – DAY
WIDE SHOT – HALLWAY OUTSIDE HOSPITAL ROOM
Sharon is visible standing next to Joseph’s hospital bed inside the room. Katherine approaches the PARTIALLY CLOSED DOOR room from the hall.
SHARON
Would you like some water, Mr. Northbrook?
KATHERINE (WHISPERED TO HERSELF)
“Mr. Northbrook?” But...
Katherine pauses now to listen.
RACK FOCUS TO WIDE SHOT OF SHARON AND JOSEPH
JOSEPH
I don’t think she’ll come today.
CUT TO:
SHARON (ANSWERING HESITANTLY)
Oh, I’m sure she’ll make it down.
JOSEPH (QUIETLY)
Not after yesterday.
SHARON
What happened?
JOSEPH
Katherine thinks that you and I...
SHARON
Well that’s crazy. She sends me down here to see you. Why would she think...
JOSEPH
I know why, but it doesn’t matter now. It’s too late.
SHARON
I know she still loves you. Just give her a little time.
Joseph sighs. Katherine reconsiders her visit, turns and walks back down the hall away from the door.
FADE OUT:
TIME FOR A DECISION
FADE IN:
INT. OFFICE – NIGHT
A tear is visible on Katherine’s face. She wipes it away with a TISSUE.
CUT TO:
CU: CHECK
Katherine signs the check to Sharon.
CUT TO:
WIDE SHOT - OFFICE
Katherine pushes the intercom button.
SHARON (V.O.)
Yes, Mrs. Northbrook?
KATHERINE
Please come here. I have something for you.
Sharon enters. She notices the tears on Katherine’s face.
SHARON
Oh, Mrs. Northbrook. I miss him, too.
KATHERINE
Yes.
Katherine nods.
SHARON
I think he forgave you at the end.
Katherine looks at Sharon with daggers. After a moment of thought, she tears up the check. She collects the pieces of the check and hands them to Sharon.
KATHERINE
Throw this away for me, please.
Sharon looks confused, shrugs and takes the pile of check fragments out with her, throwing them into the trash and walks out the office door.
KATHERINE
I guess without a paper trail there’s not much to tell and well, ...
Katherine takes a drink
KATHERINE
He told me not to tell anyone.
Katherine reaches for the lamp, standing slightly. She turns the lamp off.
BLACK
THE END
Monday, August 16, 2010
Breakfast of Champions - reading
Finished "Breakfast of Champions" by Kurt Vonnegut. If you don't like the n-word, don't read this. With that warning, it wasn't what he said a lot of times, it was how he said it. It was kindof a metastory where the author was a participant. Yeast excrement all around! (And so on.)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
And Eternity - reading
Finished "And Eternity" by Piers Anthony, the last in the Incarnations of Immortality series. With 3 female lead characters, it couldn't take long (based on the rest of the series) for the topic of rape to come up. Anthony didn't disappoint. It started early and kept on throughout. Also, most Incarnations think a "taste for young flesh" is totally acceptable. The story was alright. It did have some long bunny trails.
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